IMRAM Irish-language literature festival announces 2024 programme
IMRAM has announced an exciting line-up for 2024 which will bring audiences on a voyage of discovery through modern Irish-language literature.
Running from 7th – 16th November 2024 in various venues across Dublin, the eclectic programme fuses Irish poetry and prose with live music, storytelling, and multimedia elements. It features a host of acclaimed artists, including writers Louis de Paor, Catherine Foley, Art Hughes, and Rita Kelly; and musicians Steve Cooney, Sexy Tadhg, Róisín Seoighe & IMLÉ, and Rónán, Rossa and Colm Ó Snodaigh from the band Kíla, among others.
‘We are passionate about making Irish-language literature accessible to as wide an audience as possible, whether they are fluent Irish speakers or just beginning to explore the language,’ said festival Director Liam Carson.
‘From Taylor Swift songs filtered through Conamara Irish to the ancient art forms of storytelling and haiku composition, the programme offers something for everyone. We hope that audiences will discover a deeper connection to the language – and maybe even surprise themselves with how much Irish they already know.’
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Sreang Dhofheicthe / Invisible String: The Taylor Swift Project
A special weave of songs from Taylor Swift’s albums folklore and evermore, performed live by Róisín Seoighe X IMLÉ, with lyrics translated into Irish by Róisín Seoighe and Gabriel Rosenstock and visuals by artist Margaret Lonergan.
An Craiceann agus a Luach
A reading by traditional storyteller Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair of her retelling in verse of the myth of the mermaid who marries a mortal man. The reading will be accompanied by a specially commissioned score written by composer and guitarist Steve Cooney, who will be joined by musicians Cormac Breathnach, Billy Mag Fhloinn, Robbie Perry, Dermot Byrne and Odhrán Ó Casaide.
Ceolta, in association with Poetry Ireland
An evening of live music and poetry featuring Sexy Tadhg, famed for their jaw-dropping live shows, and poets Julie Goo, Marcus MacConghail, Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha and Dubhán Ó Longáin – four of the most dynamic voices in modern Irish poetry.
Duais Bashō Haiku, in association with Poetry Ireland
A haiku reading – with music from Seán Mac Erlaine – and the announcement of the winners of the Duais Bashō Haiku poetry competition, which asks post-primary students across Ireland to compose a haiku in English or Irish. Workshops for students have been led by haiku poets Liam Carson, Rody Gorman, and Meave O’Sullivan.
Clochdhánta / The Poetry of Stone
A tribute to sculptor, painter, novelist, and poet Clíodhna Cussen, featuring readings from her husband, publisher and poet Pádraig Ó Snodaigh, Biddy Jenkinson, and music from her sons Rónán, Rossa and Colm, with visuals by Margaret Lonergan.
